Anniversary Celebration for Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Harris, Chambers, Alabama
http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/chambers/newspapers/jhharrisan.txt
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December 2001
FINE BARBECUE LAST SATURDAY
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One of the happiest, as it was one of the most unusual, occasions which it has been the
good fortune of the writer to attend was the barbecue given last Saturday [20 Apr 1918]
at Abanda [northern Chambers Co.] by Mr. and Mrs. J. P. HARRIS in honor of the 59th
anniversary of the marriage of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. HARRIS. The
celebration occurred under the spreading oaks in front of the former home of Captain Jack
SMITH. Part of the old log house still stands. Captain SMITH planted these trees before
the [Civil] war, setting them out in rows. They are the largest and most beautiful
wateroaks of which we have any knowledge.
In this charming retreat over a hundred of the descendants, other relatives, and friends of
the honored couple gathered. The rare occasion, the royal fellowship and every
circumstance combined to make the day one long to be remembered. Mr. and Mrs.
HARRIS were present in health and strength, radiant with happiness and received the
compliments of every one of the company.
At midday Mr. F. P. NICHOLS called the assembly to order. The honorees of the
occasion were seated in chairs, while others were gathered around, resting on improvised
seats which came direct from a neighboring saw mill. Prayer was offered by Rev. O. R.
BURNS, pastor of the Abanda Methodist church. Little Miss Cornelia HARRIS, daughter
of Mr. J. P. HARRIS, then spoke a few words of welcome and closed with a poem on[?]
Mother, presenting a bouquet of roses to the beloved grand-mother. She was followed by
her brother, John Dixon HARRIS, Jr., who recited a tribute in verse to “Poor Old Dad,”
presenting at the close his flowers to the grand-father. The response for the visitors was
made by another juvenile descendant, John Edward BARTLETT, of Montgomery.
In his original and felicitous manner Mr. NICHOLS presented a number of gentlemen
present, who made short speeches in keeping with the occasion, and sincere were the
tributes of love and respect paid to the distinguished couple in whose honor the
celebration was held. Those who spoke, in addition to the chairman, were Messrs. B. M.
WASHBURN, of Montgomery, O. H. STEVENSON, of Roanoke, E. FULMER, of
Oakbowery, J. W. RADNEY, of Roanoke, and W. E. FAUST, of Birmingham. Major [J.
H.] HARRIS responded with expressions of gratitude. His remarks abounded with humor,
pathos and tender sentiment. At the conclusion young ladies pinned white carnations on
the coat lapels of all the gentlemen present.
On a long table nearby a deliciously prepared barbecue dinner was served. Every detail of
the arrangements had been carefully looked after by Mr. and Mrs. J. P. HARRIS, who are
to be congratulated upon the happy thought of this celebration and of the splendid manner
in which it was carried out to such a successful culmination.
There were present people from Birmingham, Montgomery, Opelika, Roanoke, Wadley
and other points.
[From The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 24 Apr 1918, p.1]